Residue Analysis

Residue Analysis In Food – METS Laboratories

At METS Laboratories, we understand that food safety is critical—not just for consumer health, but also for regulatory compliance and brand reputation. Residue analysis in food plays a vital role in determining the presence of unwanted or potentially harmful chemicals left behind from agricultural practices, food processing, or packaging. With advanced instrumentation, accredited methodologies, and deep scientific expertise, METS Laboratories provides comprehensive residue testing solutions across a wide range of food categories. Our ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 accredited services ensure traceability, reliability, and integrity of test results for local and international markets.

Why Residue Analysis In Food Is Important?

Residue analysis is essential to ensure that food is safe, clean, and compliant. The term “residues” typically refers to pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, persistent organic pollutants, and other chemical contaminants. These substances, if present beyond permissible limits, can pose serious health risks including carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and neurological disorders.

Key reasons for residue testing:
• Consumer Health Protection: Ensures that food does not contain harmful levels of chemicals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets national and international standards (FSSAI, EU MRLs, Codex, USDA, etc.).
• Export Facilitation: Avoids rejection of consignments due to contamination.
• Brand Protection: Safeguards company reputation and consumer trust.
• Certification Support: Provides analytical evidence for organic and clean-label claims.

What We Test?

Categories:

• Pesticide Residues: Organophosphates, Organochlorines, Carbamates, Neonicotinoids, Pyrethroids, etc.
• Veterinary Drug Residues: Antibiotics, Hormones, Beta-agonists, Sulphonamides.
• Heavy Metals: Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), etc.
• Mycotoxins: Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), Ochratoxin A, Fumonisins, Zearalenone.
• PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
• Dioxins and PCBs
• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
• Food Contact Residues: Phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA), Non-intentionally Added Substances (NIAS).

Products We Analyze:

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Spices, Herbs & Tea
• Grains, Pulses & Oilseeds
• Dairy & Meat Products
• Seafood & Aquaculture
• Processed and Packaged Foods
• Baby Foods & Health Supplements
• Edible Oils & Fats
• Organic Certified Products

Analytical Techniques:

• GC-MS/MS
• LC-MS/MS
• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
• HPLC-FLD/UV
• ELISA

What METS Laboratories Offers?

At METS Laboratories, we offer a full suite of residue testing services backed by scientific rigor and regulatory expertise:

• Comprehensive Multi-Residue Screens (MRM based)
• Single and Targeted Residue Testing
• Matrix-Specific Method Development
• Customized Testing Plans as per Codex, FSSAI, EU, and customer standards
• Fast Turnaround Time (TAT) with priority options
• Complete Documentation: Test Reports, CoAs, Method Validation Summaries
• Support for Audits, Export Documentation, and Risk Assessments
• Sampling and Logistic Support (On-site and Off-site)

Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and trained chemists who follow internationally validated methods and stringent internal QA/QC protocols.

What We Ensure?

Accurate, reproducible, and defensible results
Detection at trace and ultra-trace levels (ppb to ppt)
Method compliance with AOAC, ISO, EU, and FSSAI protocols
Confidentiality of data and proprietary product information
Transparent communication and technical guidance
Digitally accessible reports and traceable results
Internal proficiency testing and method validation

Who It’s For?

Food Producers and Processors
Exporters and Importers
Retail Chains and Supermarkets
Organic & Sustainable Food Brands
Agricultural Co-operatives and Growers
Regulatory Authorities and Certification Bodies
Quality Assurance Teams and Third-Party Inspectors
Research Institutions and NGOs
Hospitality and Catering Services

Protect Consumers. Satisfy Authorities. Boost Market Confidence.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. With increasing consumer awareness and tightening regulations, proactive residue monitoring is no longer optional—it’s a business necessity. At METS Laboratories, we help you:

• Protect public health with reliable detection of harmful residues.
• Satisfy local and international regulatory bodies with validated results.
• Win consumer trust and brand loyalty with clean-label assurances.
• Strengthen your supply chain integrity with science-based insights.
• Enter global markets with confidence and transparency.

By integrating robust residue testing into your food safety plan, you’re not just complying—you’re leading with responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical turnaround time for residue testing?

Depending on the matrix and scope, our TAT ranges from 5 to 8 working days. Expedited services are available upon request.

How sensitive are your tests?

We can detect residues at parts-per-billion (ppb) to parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels using advanced mass spectrometry techniques.

Are your methods accredited?

Yes, all testing methods are either ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 accredited or validated in compliance with regulatory requirements such as AOAC, Codex, EU, and FSSAI.

Can you help with export documentation?

Absolutely. We provide test reports, Certificate of Analysis (CoA), and method references as needed for export clearance and audits.

Do you offer multi-residue screening?

Yes. We offer extensive multi-residue screening panels for over 300+ pesticides, 50+ veterinary drugs, and other residues.

Is sampling included?

On-site sampling services are available in select regions. Alternatively, we provide guidance for self-sampling with proper protocols.

Do you test organic products?

Yes, we specialize in supporting organic brands by screening for prohibited substances and certifying the absence of synthetic residues.

Get In Touch With Us

Need Help? Book Lab Visit

+91 88005 05077